Can the Rear Shock Absorber Be Used Without Replacement If It's Leaking Oil?
2 Answers
Whether a leaking rear shock absorber needs to be replaced depends on the actual situation. Below are the inspection steps regarding shock absorber replacement: 1. Lubrication Test: Drive the car on a rough road for 10km, then stop and touch the shock absorber housing. If it is not hot enough, it indicates there is no internal resistance, meaning the shock absorber is not working. At this point, add appropriate lubricating oil and test again. 2. Shock Absorber Issue Identification: Press down hard on the bumper and then release it. If the car bounces 2-3 times, it means the shock absorber is functioning well. If the car vibrates violently during slow driving and sudden braking, it indicates a problem with the shock absorber. 3. Shock Absorber Removal Inspection: Remove the shock absorber, stand it upright, and clamp the lower connecting ring in a vise. Pull and press the shock rod several times. There should be stable resistance during this process, with the resistance during upward pull (recovery) being greater than during downward press. If the resistance is unstable or absent, it may indicate insufficient oil inside the shock absorber or damaged valve components, requiring repair or replacement of parts.
I think you really shouldn't delay replacing a leaking rear shock absorber. Oil leakage indicates that the internal oil seal is damaged, and the damping effect will gradually deteriorate. Driving becomes bumpy, and going over potholes makes the whole car jump, affecting ride comfort. More critically, it's a safety issue—the car body is prone to losing control during high-speed turns, and braking distances increase. If an accident happens, you'd be losing big for small savings. With decades of car repair experience, I've seen many owners try to save on this, only to end up with faster tire wear and damage to the suspension system, leading to even costlier repairs. Long-term neglect can lead to complete oil leakage, shock absorber failure, potential chassis deformation, and damage to other components. I recommend going to a reputable repair shop as soon as possible—don't gamble with safety to save a few hundred bucks. Regularly inspect the undercarriage, and take any oil stains seriously.